How I Started making Money on Internet...

One night, at a social gathering, I met a friend who changed my life forever. He told me about how he managed to make a living from the internet by selling graphic material and photographs through a microstock agency, operating under a structure known as 'passive income,' and encouraged me to give it a try.

And so, my story began...

I wasn't into photography, but I enjoyed creating vector illustrations. Gradually, I started generating content for my online portfolio. It wasn't easy – coming home tired from work, the idea of working at home seemed like a real sacrifice. However, here comes one of the best pieces of advice I've received. My friend said, 'work on what you love, what you're passionate about, and enjoy it,' making the burden much lighter.

I decided to start creating illustrations based on folklore, textures, cultural elements, and festivities from my country – themes I love.

It took some time, several months, before I could see my first dollars in earnings, but it was completely worth it.

Over the years, without investing much time in microstock, I started earning enough to supplement my salary and treat myself to a trip abroad now and then (another of my great passions)...

One day, after weeks of tension at the office, feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and sick, I decided, without much thought, that it was time to resign and start my venture.

I knew it wouldn't be easy, and indeed, it hasn't been, but I knew it would be worth it. I already had my plan B, a platform that, while not providing me with an income enough to replace a full-time job, at least I knew I wouldn't go hungry, in addition to my savings.

And so it has been; today, I don't regret a single day of my decision.

Sometimes it's necessary to leap without thinking too much, knowing that every scratch will be worth it in the end.

That year, with my savings and what I earned from new freelance projects, I went abroad twice and many more times within my country, discovering that sometimes, for travel, time is more important than money and that happiness is created in every moment; you don't need wealth to savor life.

So, if you're a designer, photographer, or creative of any kind, what are you waiting for?

These are the platforms I contribute to, highly recommended, where you can check out my portfolio:

• iStockphoto

• Shutterstock

I hope my story serves as a reminder that there's no time to lose; every day, there are more and more contributors, causing the supply to be extremely high, but, at the same time, the demand continues to grow.

Don't forget to leave your comments and questions.

Much love.